Tiger Woods Insists He Can Win The Masters In His Return From Horror Car Crash
"If I feel like I can still win, I’m going to play."
Tiger Woods isn't just showing up for the sake of it.
No, he's returning to the Masters for one reason and one reason only: to win it.
The legendary golfer made headlines across the globe and sent sports fans into a frenzy this week after publicly registering his interest in attending Augusta.
Considering he's still recovering from a horrific car crash which almost resulted in him losing his leg, many assumed he'd just be visiting - not playing.
Boy, we were wrong.
Woods has now confirmed he that he will play in the Masters, adding that if he "feels like I can still win, I'm going to play".
When asked by reporters if he reckons he can equal the great Jack Nicklaus' record of six Masters victories this year, Woods said: "I do. I don't show up to an event unless I think I can win. So that's the attitude I've had.
"I love competing and I feel like if I can still compete at the highest level, I'm going to. As of right now, I am going to play.
"And if I feel like I can still win, I'm going to play. But if I feel like I can't, then you won't see me out here."
Just over 12 months ago, some feared the worst when shocking news broke that Woods was involved in a terrifying high-speed car accident on a freeway.
Since then, Woods' road to recovery has been long and difficult, even admitting at one point that his career as a full-time professional golfer may be over.
But despite his recent improvements, it's the walking element of the sport - not so much the swinging - which Woods admits is still causing him the most discomfort.
"I've had to endure pain before but this is different, a lot more traumatic," he said.
"I haven't been in situations like this where I've had to walk.
"I can hit it just fine. I don't have any qualms about what I can do from a golf standpoint. It's just that walking is the hard part.
"The only flat spots out here are the 18 tee boxes. Other than that, there's nothing flat.
"Now, given the condition that my leg is in, it gets even more difficult - and 72 holes is a long road.
"My surgeons gave me a chance. Now it's up to me to endure the pain."
For many, they still believe that this could be one last fairytale finish, with Woods poised to sign off on an incredible career - this time for good.
So even during his quick practise rounds at Augusta, it was no surprise to see that the 46-year-old had attracted a huge crowd of fans who were closely watching his every move, desperate to see the iconic sportsman in action perhaps for the very last time.
One thing is for certain, though, and it's that there will be millions watching when Tiger does tee off at Augusta National Golf Course, thus bringing an end to his golf hiatus.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Golf news, Golf, Masters, Tiger Woods, Australia, Augusta
Max Sherry